After a prominent 47-year career in the electrical industry, David M. Washebek, a longstanding leader at Lemberg Electric, will retire at the close of 2024. Under his leadership, Lemberg Electric has grown to become one of the region's premier electrical contractors, setting a standard of excellence that will guide the company into its next chapter.
“As I retire, I am confident that the future of Lemberg is bright,” said Washebek. “We have a strong foundation, an inspired leadership team, and a workforce that continues to push boundaries. I look forward to watching the company continue to thrive under the new leadership.”
In January 2021, David M. Washebek stepped down after 24 years as Lemberg’s president and CEO, transitioning to the roles of chairman of the board and ESOP trustee. Tim Scheid succeeded him as CEO, taking the helm to actively lead the company. In January 2024, Kyle Witte joined Scheid in leadership, assuming the role of president.
Scheid and Witte are working to ensure a seamless transition in leadership for the rest of the organization as Scheid is also set to retire in mid-2025. Washebek will remain a valuable resource for Lemberg as an active member of the company's board of directors through 2025.
Washebek thanked Lemberg’s shareholders, partners, employees, and customers for their unwavering support. “I am incredibly grateful and honored for the trust they have placed in me over the years. While this is the end of my time at Lemberg, it’s not the end of my journey. I will remain a proud supporter as the team carries forward the legacy we’ve built together.”
During his career, Washebek has significantly impacted the industry, having served in multiple capacities for leading industry organizations that have shaped electrical work, safety, and training. He is known by his peers for his aggressive facilitation of code and business ethics. The following are highlights of his career.
- Vice President of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) District 4 (2021-2024).
- Member of NECA’s Executive Committee (2021-2024).
- Chair of the NECA National Code and Standards Committee (2021-2022).
- Chair of the NECA National Management Development Committee (2023-2024).
- Trustee of National Electrical Benefits Fund (2021-2024).
- Elected to NECA Academy of Electrical Contracting Fellows (2020).
- Wisconsin Apprenticeship Board (2007-2014).
- Milwaukee Chapter - National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Served on the Board of Directors (2014-2024), Treasurer (2005), Vice-President (2006), President (2007), Governor (2014-2020), and Chapter Liaison to ELECTRI International (2009-2022).
- Milwaukee Chapter – NECA Committee Member for Sound and Communications Labor Agreement; Lemberg Sign Labor Agreement, and Inside Wireman Agreement.
- Milwaukee Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (MeJATC), Trustee (11 years). Helped drive the development of a comprehensive Construction Wireman/Construction Electrician program, which allows union contractors to compete with open shop firms and solves issues of manpower and availability. Promoted the development of two state-of-the-art training facilities in 2008 and 2018.
- International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), Board of Directors and Audit Committee (2000).
- Wisconsin Electrical Advisory Code Panel. Helped to enact state legislation that mandated state licensing of electricians and code-based continuing education.
Washebek earned his apprenticeship at Lemberg in 1978. He later earned his Master Electrician Certification and became a registered Wisconsin Electrical Design Engineer. While at Lemberg, he built a resume of work at every level including job foreman, estimator, project manager, and vice president, before becoming president and CEO in 2000.
Under Washebek's leadership, Lemberg was flexible and prosperous despite several economic downturns. He led the company through acquisitions and partnerships, championed technology and Agile Construction® techniques, and entered technical fields such as solar and electrical vehicle charger installation. He developed meaningful and long-lasting partnerships with powerful manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson, creating a model for other similar relationships in southeastern Wisconsin.
Under Washebek’s leadership, Lemberg doubled in size and was named to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce Council of Small Business Executives' fifty fastest-growing companies for three consecutive years in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
As the final days of his role with Lemberg pass, Washebek has reflected on his time serving the industry and the southeastern Wisconsin business community. “I have just one more thing to say: Thanks for the memories.”